RSS Feedhttp://10.40.239.129/blogs/rss-feed/Blog RSS Feeden{C38234AA-C8A4-4732-8087-17519B5819CF}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2014/11/transforming-healthcare-will-give-people/Transforming healthcare will give people a brand new way to get where they want to be<p>The Oresund Bridge, which connects Denmark and Sweden, was called a &ldquo;miracle of modern engineering.&rdquo; The challenge: Transport trains and cars more than seven and a half miles across the Oresund Strait &mdash; without disrupting air travel, ship travel, and ice floes. The bridge&rsquo;s completion in July 2000 followed years of complex and collaborative planning and construction between two countries. The result is a highly effective structure that carries more than 22 million people per year, which was built without tax money and is economically self-sustaining.</p>
<p><b>Intermountain Healthcare is building a bridge between the way healthcare has been provided in the past and the way it will be provided in the future.</b> While we recognize much that&rsquo;s good about healthcare in America, there are important ways it needs to change.&nbsp; Despite the fact that we spend more than any other country, endangering the economic security of our nation, the healthcare Americans receive is of inconsistent quality.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Most healthcare leaders and analysts recognize the importance of aligning incentives in ways that reward healthcare providers and patients for better health outcomes instead of the current rewards for simply doing more things &mdash; and especially more expensive things.&nbsp; And we have great opportunities for improvement in helping people make healthier lifestyle choices and better manage their chronic illnesses.</p>
<p>Intermountain &mdash; which is widely known for demonstrating how improving clinical quality can reduce costs &mdash; and similar healthcare organizations are showing there&rsquo;s a better way to provide care. We can&rsquo;t look to the government as the overall solution to the challenges that face us. As a healthcare provider, we believe we have an obligation to the community to continually improve quality while managing the cost of care.</p>
<p>Intermountain is working to improve people&rsquo;s <i>health</i> &mdash; not just their <i>healthcare. </i>We call our approach &ldquo;Shared Accountability.&rdquo; This approach helps us deliver 1) the best health for those we serve, 2) the best care for patients, and 3) affordable and sustainable costs. </p>
<p><b>Dozens of teams across Intermountain are using three key strategies to help us reach those goals:</b></p>
<ol>
<li>Using evidence-based care: Redesigning care through developing and consistently using best practices that are based on the best available evidence of their benefit to patients</li>
<li>Engaging patients in their health and care choices</li>
<li>Aligning financial incentives for everyone who has a stake in healthcare</li>
</ol>
<p>Our approach is based on the idea that one of the best ways to improve America&rsquo;s healthcare system is to help people stay healthy in the first place. </p>
<p>For example, we can focus on the best way to treat a heart attack, and the evidence may show one way that delivers better clinical outcomes and fewer complications, which also costs less. That&rsquo;s good healthcare. But the optimal choice is to help people improve their lifestyles so they avoid the heart attack in the first place. That&rsquo;s what Shared Accountability will help us do &mdash; and doing it on a community-wide basis is how it will help us transform healthcare.</p>
<p>In many ways, this is the most significant effort Intermountain has ever undertaken. It&rsquo;s a once-in-a-generation opportunity. At the same time, our bridge to transform healthcare helps Intermountain remain firmly grounded on our core mission and vision. Our ultimate goal is to help people live the healthiest lives possible. Together, we have the opportunity &mdash; and the responsibility &mdash; to make a better healthcare system and give the gift of better health to those we serve.</p>Wed, 12 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0700{6745DAB7-FD11-43AE-A287-3076D602CC3E}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2014/11/protect-yourself-from-carbon-monoxide-poisoning/Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning This Winter<p>Furnaces and other heating elements that burn coal, wood, charcoal, propane or natural gas all produce carbon monoxide, which can collect in a home or garage and cause poisoning. The gas cannot be detected by its odor, which means that many people are exposed each year, and some run the risk of serious health problems or even death.&nbsp; </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of exposure:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Schedule an annual check up &ndash; for your furnace and hot water heater. </strong>It&rsquo;s important to have all gas-fired furnaces and hot water heaters checked by heating and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals annually.&nbsp; I&rsquo;ve cared for patients poisoned by furnaces that cracked in the preceding months, or the flue became obstructed in the summer by a bird&rsquo;s nest. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Every home and business should have a carbon monoxide alarm.</strong> I recommend carbon monoxide alarms meeting the UL2034 standard; alarms with a digital display add an additional level of protection.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s possible for carbon monoxide to be present in levels that will show on the digital display but lower than the level necessary to trigger an alarm. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>If your digital carbon monoxide alarm detects even a low level of gas, please have the area checked by the gas company, an HVAC specialist. If you are also experiencing symptoms of exposure, call the Fire Department. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Replace your carbon monoxide alarm every five years and consider bringing one along when you travel.</strong> Carbon monoxide alarms designed to sound at levels lower than that of residential alarms are available at <a href="http://www.coexperts.com/">www.coexperts.com</a>. &nbsp;Personally, I use a residential alarm with a digital display, and travel with a smaller, portable alarm that detects carbon monoxide at lower levels.&nbsp;</p>
<p> </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Be aware of symptoms.</strong> Carbon monoxide poisoning can be lethal, sometimes with no advance sign of trouble. This is especially true when people are exposed during their sleep and are unaware or unable to call for help.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p> </p>
<p>At lower levels of exposure, though, there are common symptoms, including headache, fatigue, confusion, the feeling that something is not right, dizziness, achiness and even loss of consciousness.&nbsp; </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you experience symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning, evacuate the area immediately and call 911.&nbsp; At the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Department, we treat carbon monoxide poisoning with high-flow oxygen, sometimes in a special room or capsule called a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, to reduce the chance of permanent brain damage.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Be suspicious of carbon monoxide if multiple individuals have &ldquo;flu-like&rdquo; symptoms all at once, especially if fever is absent.&nbsp; Another clue about poisoning is if one improves when out of the area where the carbon monoxide exposure is occurring.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p> Unfortunately, once poisoned, individuals may run the risk of permanent brain or cardiac injury. Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning reduces this risk but even with prompt oxygen therapy, disability can still occur.&nbsp; Therefore thinking about carbon monoxide, and how to prevent it and avoid it is important.<br />
<br />
</p>Wed, 12 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0700{8FCD19DB-92C4-4B42-964F-95669DD6FE85}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2014/11/10-healthy-tips-to-tackle-thanksgiving/10 Healthy Tips to Tackle Thanksgiving<p>Thanksgiving dinner can range from 1,500-6,000 calories, with the average person eating about 3,000 calories.&nbsp;Average weight gain during the four-week holiday season is one to five pounds. That may not seem like much until you consider that most people don&rsquo;t drop the weight after the holidays end, and the pounds add up.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Here are 10 tips to help you tackle Thanksgiving.</strong></p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Start the day off with a modest breakfast.</strong> It&rsquo;s understandable to want to &ldquo;save up&rdquo; for the big meal, but resist the temptation. Choosing a modest-sized breakfast with protein and whole grains will keep you satisfied and help prevent before-meal munching on rolls and dips.</li>
<li><strong>Be active.</strong> Go for a walk &ndash; the morning of, just before dinner, or even just after dinner. The important thing is you&rsquo;re moving: playing football, not watching football.</li>
<li><strong>Choose water throughout the day.</strong> Limit intake of alcohol and sweetened beverages like soda, juice, or punch. Try adding fresh lemon or lime wedges to your water for added pizzazz.&nbsp;</li>
<li><strong>Be picky.</strong> Only eat what you like and give yourself permission to NOT try everything. Thanksgiving foods can be very rich and heavy, so choosing your foods wisely is key. Evaluate what foods are available and decide what looks and sounds the best to you.</li>
<li><strong>Choose a smaller plate.</strong> When we choose a smaller plate, we trick our eyes and our minds into thinking we are eating more than we actually are. Odds are no matter what size your plate is&mdash;you&rsquo;re going back for seconds, so keep your portions limited. If you can avoid seconds, even better.</li>
<li><strong>Load up on vegetables&hellip; but do it the right way.</strong> Many traditional thanksgiving dishes incorporate veggies like sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole, but these are typically calorie laden.<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Instead of green bean casserole try saut&eacute;ing green beans, mushrooms, onions, and garlic in olive oil. Add some fresh thyme and freshly squeezed lemon juice at the end.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">For a healthier spin on the traditional marshmallow and brown sugar topped sweet potatoes, start by using a skim or 1 percent milk and reducing the amount of sugar and butter added by half. Instead of adding marshmallows, substitute equal parts saut&eacute;ed dried cranberries, cubed firm pears, and chopped pecans. Add a touch of ginger and brown sugar and spread over your sweet potatoes.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">As a general rule of thumb in most dishes, you can reduce the amount of added fat (butter, oil) and sugar by up to half without sacrificing flavor.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eat pumpkin!</strong> Pumpkin is packed with nutrients &ndash; vitamin A, potassium and fiber. It tastes much like other squashes, so try roasting it and adding salt and pepper to taste.
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">If you&rsquo;re going to do dessert, reach for the pumpkin pie. Better yet, make your own, substituting fat free evaporated milk for the heavy whipping cream and reducing the fat in the crust. If you didn&rsquo;t make your own pie, choose a small piece and limit the whipped cream on top to help shave calories.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Slow down.</strong> Savor the food you are eating and put your fork down in between bites. Really enjoy what you are putting in your mouth.</li>
<li><strong>Enjoy your company.</strong> The holidays are about friends and family and should be less about food. Focus on visiting with the people who are there that you maybe don&rsquo;t get to visit with as often.</li>
<li><strong>Pack it up.</strong> Once dinner is over, put away the leftovers and resist the urge to nibble as you put them away.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<br />Wed, 12 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0700{952626AE-E217-4077-8607-689B1125BEA9}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2014/11/why-do-you-cry-when-you-cut-into-an-onion/Why do you cry when you cut into an onion?<p class="p1">Onions typically grow in the ground, which means they absorb sulfur. When an onion is sliced, it releases a sulfur enzyme into the air known as syn-Propanethial-S-oxide. When that enzyme mixes with the natural moisture of the eye, it becomes an irritant.</p>
<p class="p1"><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">"In response to the irritant, the eye sends a signal to the brain, which in turn sends a signal to the lachrymal gland, which rests just above the eye," explains Scott Barnes, O.D., optometrist at Alta View Eye Care. "The gland then washes water down into the eyes to flush out the acid&hellip; which explains the tears."</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">How can you prevent the tears?</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">There are a few ways to reduce the amount of enzymes that get released into the air when cutting an onion:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Cut the onion underwater</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Chill the onion before cutting</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Wear goggles</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="p2"><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">According to Dr Barnes, one of the best methods is to use a sharp knife and avoid the core of the onion, since more of the eye-irritating enzymes are stored in the center. Cut the sides first, then finish at the core.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="p1">KUTV's Matt Gephardt answered this question as part of a Good Question segment.</p>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4z6Uuj0uvBE" frameborder="0"></iframe>Mon, 10 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0700{D5332B8B-CDCA-485E-B838-C2998A59CFCA}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2014/11/movember-and-mens-health-awareness/Mo-vember and Men&#39;s Health Awareness<p class="p1"><em>Join in for an Ask Julie Facebook chat to answer your specific Men&rsquo;s Health Question on Friday, November 14th&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/intermountainlivewell?ref=br_tf"><strong>(Link)</strong></a>&nbsp;or post your questions on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/intermountainlivewell?ref=br_tf"><strong>Intermountain LiVe Well Facebook page</strong></a>.</em></p>
<p class="p1">---</p>
<p class="p1">November seems like the perfect month to devote to Men's Health Awareness, especially since it has newly earned the nickname Mo-vember.&nbsp; In all the time you will save shaving for a month, you can challenge yourself to catch up on your preventive care screenings. &nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2">In preparation for the Mo-vember blog, I informally interviewed a few of the men of all ages in my life asking them "what are your most prominent Men's health issues, questions and concerns?"&nbsp; These were some of the responses...</p>
<ul>
<li>
<div class="p1">Just give me the basics, what am I really suppose to do go manage my health?&nbsp; I try to eat healthy, but is there a simple nutrition and diet outline I don't have to totally micromanage?</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="p1">What are the cholesterol basics? What is my cholesterol and what should it be?&nbsp; If it's high, what do I do about it?</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="p1">What does blood pressure even mean?&nbsp; What should it be, and do I really need to be checking it?&nbsp; If it&rsquo;s high, what do I do about it?</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="p1">Is it just normal to get thicker around the middle during middle age?&nbsp; What is a normal weight?&nbsp; Does your metabolism slow down as you get older?&nbsp; I've never counted calories in my life, do I need to start, and how?&nbsp;</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="p1">When do I worry about "wear and tear", I've always had the "I'm indestructible" attitude, but in my 40's and 50's, I'm starting to feel my age.&nbsp; What do I do about feeling sore and stiff?</div>
</li>
<li>
<div class="p1">What really is a prostate, why is it important, and what do I do about it?</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="p2">&nbsp;At the request to &ldquo;keep it simple,&rdquo; start by picking your dream car, then imagine it&rsquo;s all yours.&nbsp; Regardless of wether it is a sleek, performance driven speedster; off-road rugged and reliable;&nbsp; or streamlined efficient and functional; maintenance is required.&nbsp; Since the vehicle you drive most likely suits your lifestyle, it most likely has maintenance needs similar to you.&nbsp; Do you know what&rsquo;s in the owner&rsquo;s manual for your model?</p>
<p class="p2">&nbsp;Let&rsquo;s start with the fuel.&nbsp; It is as simple as the quality and purity of the foods you take in for your daily fuel will equate to your level of performance and endurance over time.&nbsp; A diet rich in nutrients and high in fiber from whole grains, getting 2 servings of fruits, and 2-3 servings of vegetables daily is recommended for whole body health and cancer prevention.&nbsp;Getting your protein from lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, low fat dairy, and limiting your servings of high saturated fat foods reduces your risk of heart disease.&nbsp; Cutting sugar by eliminating soda and treats and limiting caffeine and alcohol are important for brain health and prevention of diabetes.&nbsp; Balancing what you take in as the fuel you need based on how much you use daily is necessary to prevent obesity.&nbsp; Anything more us just stored in your trunk making you run less efficiently, increasing wear and tear on your body, and raises the long term cost of maintaining a body with potential chronic illness.&nbsp; Try using online tools (<a href="http://www.choosemyplate.gov/myplate/index.aspx" target="_blank"><strong>Link</strong></a>) that figure in your height, weight, and activity level to help create the balance of fuel in and energy out that is right for you. &nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2">&nbsp;Once you compare your baseline nutrition with what is recommended, are you caught off guard if the calculation says you are up a few pounds from what is considered a healthy weight? Does your waistline around your thickest section measure more than 40 inches? Do you wonder if your metabolism has pushed on the breaks?&nbsp; Tracking your nutritional intake and energy expenditure is the first step.&nbsp; Download an app or use an online tool to record everything you eat for a week.&nbsp; I like the MyFitnessPal tool, it&rsquo;s user friendly, has a huge database of foods, and you can barcode scan items with a label.&nbsp; Consider investing in an activity tracker armband that keeps track of your steps that you can program in your workouts into their app; which then tells you estimated calories burned.&nbsp; Tracking has shown to help motivate to increase physical activity and to improve eating choices.&nbsp; Studies have repeatedly identified that people underestimate their caloric intake and overestimate their energy expenditure.&nbsp; So take some extra time and really read what a serving size is on labels and even use measuring spoons and cups for a few days to make sure you are not sabotaging your efforts to figure out your baseline.&nbsp; In most cases, weight management is a mathematical problem, energy in has to = energy used to maintain weight.&nbsp; If you have concerns after you have tracked your baseline, talk to your healthcare provider on your next visit about possible endocrine issues.&nbsp; Also, keep track of your sitting time and remember one hour of sitting will only burn 84 calories (for a 185 pound person) but walking the dog for an hour burns 252 calories!</p>
<p class="p2">&nbsp;What about your driving style?&nbsp; Are you generally 15 mph above the speed limit, always 20 minutes late, taking advantage of the drive-thru line for a pit-stop, pushing the gas from sunrise to dark-thirty?&nbsp; Stress increases your body&rsquo;s sympathetic drive; your build in fight-or-flight system that attempts to keep your engine from overheating by tapping into emergency resources.&nbsp; This only works for so long before the cylinders all run dry; sleep suffers, depression is a risk, anger management is challenged, fitness and meditation go to the wayside, blood pressure rises.&nbsp; Don&rsquo;t wait to be broken down on the side of the road to check-out the toolbox in the undercarriage.&nbsp; An important aspect of preventive health is stocking your toolbox with skills for managing stress productively.&nbsp; Exercising a minimum of 30 minutes 5 days a week, aiming for 7-8 hours of sleep a night, and maintaining a healthy diet are the essentials.&nbsp; Carving out personal time, family fun, and social down time all help create balance and keep all 4 wheels on the ground when the turns in the road are turbulent and unexpected. &nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2">Have the warning lights been ablaze on your dashboard?&nbsp; Ask yourself, when was the last time I went to my doctor for an annual wellness exam?&nbsp; What is my blood pressure or have I ever been told it was a little on the high side?&nbsp; I&rsquo;m I overweight? If so, have I ever been checked for diabetes? What is my cholesterol level?&nbsp; Am I current on my immunizations?&nbsp; Am I over 50 or have a family history of cancer and had a colonoscopy or talked to my doctor about prostate screenings?&nbsp; Call your primary care provider and schedule your regular maintenance exam today.&nbsp; If you need a lifestyle overhaul or just want a detailing evaluation from a speciality support team to guide you through, consider scheduling a Lifestyle Medicine Annual Preventive Exam at the LiVe Well Center (<a href="http://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/medicalgroup/clinics/physicianclinics/live-well-salt-lake/Pages/home.aspx" target="_blank"><strong>Link</strong></a>).&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2">LiVe Well, Motor On!</p>
<p class="p2">&nbsp;Julie</p>Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0700{9FC24CFD-AEDD-4CA4-9A85-6F1672809AFB}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2014/11/a-man-plan-for-preventive-maintenance/A Man&#39;s Guide to Preventive Maintenance"If they feel fine, they're not going to go to the doctor," explains Bob Ralston, NP, Intermountain Medical Center. "From age 18 until about age 30 there is a higher risk for testicular cancer, injury and accident prevention. Regardless of age, all men should be regularly checked for high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes."&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>
KNOW YOUR RISK FACTORS</strong><br />
Risk factors are conditions or habits that make you more likely to get a disease. If you know your risk factors, you know what you should keep a closer eye on in maintaining your health. Your risk factors are influenced by:<br />
<br />
&nbsp;- Your personal health history (high blood pressure, overweight, high cholesterol, signs of depression, etc.)<br />
&nbsp;- Your family history of diseases (cancer, diabetes, etc.)<br />
&nbsp;- Your lifestyle (inactivity, Tobacco use, alcohol use, etc.)<br />
<br />
Here's a <a href="http://intermountainhealthcare.org/ext/Dcmnt?ncid=521421672" target="_blank">checklist you can use</a> to help identify your risk factors.<br />
<br />
<strong>
HAVE REGULAR HEALTH CHECKS</strong><br />
Most regular health checks can provide you information about your overall health. But what screenings should you keep an eye on and at what intervals?&nbsp;<br />
<ul>
<li><strong style="line-height: 1.4em;">Blood pressure:</strong><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> Check at least every two years, or at every office visit</span></li>
<li><strong style="line-height: 1.4em;">Blood cholesterol:</strong><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> Check at least every five years, but more often if you have heart disease or other risk factors</span></li>
<li><strong style="line-height: 22.4px;">Glucose (Blood sugar):</strong><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">&nbsp;Check only if your doctor recommends</span></li>
<li><strong style="line-height: 1.4em;">Body Mass Index (BMI):</strong><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"> Check every year</span></li>
<li><strong style="line-height: 22.4px;">Physical activity:</strong><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">&nbsp;150 minutes a week (30 minutes five days a week)</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><strong>Depression:</strong>&nbsp;Check when you feel it may be necessary</span><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">&nbsp;</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="line-height: 22.4px;">For a more complete list of the regular health checks you should get, see </span><a href="http://intermountainhealthcare.org/ext/Dcmnt?ncid=521421672" target="_blank" style="line-height: 22.4px;">Page 2 of this document</a><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">.&nbsp;</span>
<div><strong style="line-height: 1.4em;"><br />
</strong></div>
<div><strong style="line-height: 1.4em;">GET SCREENED FOR CANCER</strong>
<p><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">There are four types of cancer that men should be regularly screened for as they get older. Because if you catch cancer early enough, there's usually a lot you can do to get rid of it or slow it down. Catching it too late can mean death.&nbsp;</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"><strong>Colon Cancer:</strong> Check between ages 50-75, but start earlier (age 40) if you have a family history of colon cancer</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><strong>Prostate Cancer:</strong> Check if your doctor recommends</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"><strong>Testicular Cancer:</strong> If you notice changes, see your doctor for screening</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><strong>Skin Cancer:</strong> If you notice changes, see your doctor for screening</span></li>
</ul>
For a more complete list of the regular health checks you should get, see <a href="http://intermountainhealthcare.org/ext/Dcmnt?ncid=521421672" target="_blank">Page 3 of this document</a>.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>
GET IMMUNIZED</strong><br />
Immunizations are a simple way to help protect you from diseases. Some of the more common immunizations include:<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><strong>Flu:</strong> Every fall or winter</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"><strong>Pneumonia:</strong> One time before 65 if you smoke or have asthma, COPD, heart disease or diabetes; After 65, one dose Prevnar and one dose Pneumovax, a year apart</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"><strong>HPV:</strong> Before age 26</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><strong>Td booster or Tdap:</strong> Every 10 years</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><strong>Zoster:</strong> One time after age 60*</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">Other immunizations that should be received if you didn't get them as a child are HepB, chicken pox, and MMR*</span></li>
</ul>
<p><em>
(*may not be covered by Medicare)</em></p>
<strong>PRACTICE HEALTHY HABITS</strong><br />
One of the best ways to maintain your health is to live a healthy lifestyle. Here are six habits you should commit to in order to obtain or maintain a healthy lifestyle.<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">At least 150 minutes of physical activity a week (i.e., reduce your sitting time)</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">Eat 2 cups of fruit and 2-3 cups of vegetables every day</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">Sleep 7-8 hours every night</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">Don't use tobacco</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day or fewer</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">Wear a seat belt when driving or a helmet when riding</span></li>
</ul>
It may seem like there is a lot to think about, but preventive care doesn't have to be difficult. Use the <a href="http://intermountainhealthcare.org/ext/Dcmnt?ncid=521421672" target="_blank">last page in this document</a> to identify one thing you can do in each of the five areas to take better care of your health - and be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Watch this <a href="http://www.kutv.com/" target="_blank">KUTV</a> <a href="http://www.checkyourhealth.org/" target="_blank">Check Your Health</a> spot about men and preventive maintenance.
<p><br />
</p>
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qmcw_niK928" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0700{1B7DA0E7-1120-4692-8364-351352A3FDB9}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2014/11/catch-prostate-cancer-early-through-screening/Catch Prostate Cancer Early through Screening<p>Fortunately, prostate cancer is a disease where screening can help identify the cancer before it progresses to an advanced stage. Screening for prostate cancer is particularly important because patients typically do not have any symptoms until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. </p>
<p>"The decision to be screened for prostate cancer should be made after knowing the risks and benefits of the screening," said&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Richard V. Matern, MD,&nbsp;</span>Intermountain Urological Institute. "<span style="line-height: 1.4em;">The American Urological Association has stated that for screening to be effective and to minimize the risks of over-diagnosis and overtreatment, prostate cancer testing must be individualized based on a man&rsquo;s risk factors."&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Men ages 55-69 receive the greatest benefit from prostate cancer screening. A patient&rsquo;s overall health status, and not age alone, is important to assess when making prostate cancer screening decisions.</span></p>
<p>The Prostate Specific Antigen blood test along with a Digital Rectal Exam allow physicians to screen for prostate cancer. The combination of both tests helps guide physicians and patients with information to aid in the diagnosis and possible treatment of such cancer. </p>
<p>The American Cancer Society and American Urological Society recommend patients begin discussing prostate screening with their physician: </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">At age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">At age 45 for men at high risk of prostate cancer. This includes African-American men and men who have a 1st-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than 65)</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">At age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one 1st-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).</span></li>
</ul>
<p>PSA screening in men under age 40 is not recommended. Routine screening is not recommended in men over age 70 or any man with less than a 10-year life expectancy.</p>
<p>If no prostate cancer is detected from screening, the time between future screenings depends on the results of the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test:</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Men who have a PSA less than 2.5 ng/mL may only need to be retested every two years</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Screening should be done yearly for men whose PSA level is 2.5 ng/mL or higher</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Not all prostate cancers are life threatening or require active treatment. The decision to proceed with treatment is one that should be discussed by patients and their physicians. To achieve the best possible outcome, prostate cancer needs to be found while it is still treatable. We can&rsquo;t treat what we don&rsquo;t know exists.&nbsp;</p>Thu, 06 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0700{C87943B8-450D-4CCB-BA9C-4D1650921E3C}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2014/11/how-can-i-eat-healthier-at-home/How can I eat healthier at home?<strong>Should I be eating gluten free?</strong><br />
Not unless you have Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity. &nbsp;Gluten is a protein found in wheat barley, and rye, but gluten itself is not inherently unhealthy. &nbsp;For example, barley does not cause weight gain. &nbsp;What can be unhealthy is a high intake of processed forms of wheat, which would also be high in gluten, and that can result in a high calorie consumption. &nbsp;We also know that processed and packaged foods tend to be less filling, and so we need to eat more of them, while they tend to be very low in nutrients. &nbsp;So instead of cutting out gluten per se, try eating less processed cereals, crackers, baked goods/pastries, too much bread, etc. and focus on more whole grain products in moderation.<br />
<br />
<strong>Can I lose weight without exercising?</strong><br />
You can, but exercise can be very important to a weight loss program. We also know exercise has significant benefits to decreasing our risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, Diabetes, and certain cancers; exercise can improve our energy levels, help our mood regulation, and help us to handle stress. &nbsp;The goal with exercise is to find something that we enjoy. &nbsp;If you don&rsquo;t like running, you don&rsquo;t have to run! &nbsp;Try hiking, or swimming, or riding a bike. &nbsp;Find something that you will be more likely to do on a regular basis!<br />
<br />
<strong>Should I be a vegetarian?</strong><br />
Individuals on a vegetarian diet tend to have lower risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, osteoarthritis, certain cancers, Diabetes, and metabolic disease; they also tend to have healthier weights. &nbsp;That being said, we can still get lots of benefits from a plant based diet, with consuming small to moderate amounts of animal products, especially if we choose lean sources of protein. &nbsp;This would include white meat chicken and turkey, 90% lean beef (or higher), lowfat/nonfat dairy, eggs in moderation, and pork tenderloin/loin. &nbsp;So we do not need to be a vegetarian, but we should focus on getting lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and soy in our diet for lots of health benefits<br />
<br />
<strong>Should I try a diet like the Paleo Diet?</strong><br />
Fad diets such as the Paleo are diets where you cut out entire foods groups (here, cutting out legumes, dairy, all grains, and discouraging certain fruits); this can result in a lifestyle that is not very sustainable. &nbsp;My question is, is this something you can maintain in the long term? Many people are not able to eliminate all grains, dairy, etc. from their diet. &nbsp;If this is this case, I encourage individuals to find something that is more sustainable.<br />
<br />
<strong>How do I cut out the sugar?</strong><br />
I always ask people why they are cutting out the sugar. &nbsp;It is true that some individuals may be more predisposed to sugar addictions, as they are more likely to be addicted to other substances. &nbsp;Typically, the more refined sugars we consume, the more we tend to crave them. &nbsp;However, many individuals can get to a point where if they reduce their refined sugar intake to a point where it is just occasional and in moderate amounts, than that would not be unhealthy, nor would it typically result in high sugar cravings. &nbsp;It is very individual, and people have to find their own balance. &nbsp;In general, I do recommend that most individuals would benefit from decreasing their intake of refined, added sugars, but it may not mean that they have to eliminate them completely from their diets.
<div><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"><br />
</span></div>
<div><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">If you're looking to get started with healthier eating, here are five recipes I've blogged about in the last year that I think you should try this month. These recipes will attest to the fact that eating healthy doesn't equal bland food.</span></div>
<div><br />
<p>&nbsp;- <a href="http://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/2013/02/recipe-broccoli-mushroom-and-pine-nut-frittata" target="_blank">Broccoli, Mushroom and Pine Nut Frittata</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;- <a href="http://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/2013/02/recipe-banana-bran-muffins" target="_blank">Banana Bran Muffins</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;- <a href="http://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/2013/03/make-a-delicious-edamame-corn-and-tomato-salad" target="_blank">Edamame, Corn and Tomato Salad</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;- <a href="http://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/2013/02/recipe-sunflower-cherry-oatmeal-bars" target="_blank">Sunflower, Cherry Oatmeal Bars</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;- <a href="http://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/2013/04/video-recipe-cannellini-hummus" target="_blank">Cannellini Hummus</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;- <a href="http://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/2013/03/kale-chips-recipe-a-super-food-snack" target="_blank">Kale Chips</a></p>
</div>Tue, 04 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0700{6B6FBE02-BA91-4D4B-A8B3-F39E80C8EFF7}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2014/11/hunter-safety/Hunter Safety<strong style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Safety Tips for Hunters from USDA</strong><br style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" />
<ul style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">
<li>Check weather reports before visiting the forest.</li>
<li>Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you will return.</li>
<li>Be familiar with the area you want to hunt.</li>
<li>Dress properly and be prepared for the worst possible conditions.</li>
<li>During certain seasons, hunters must wear hunter orange viewable from all directions.If accompanied by a dog, the dog should also wear hunter orange or a very visible color on a&nbsp;vest, leash, coat or bandana.</li>
<li>Check hunting equipment before and after each outing, and maintain it properly. Familiarize&nbsp;yourself with its operation before using it in the field.</li>
<li>Carry a spare set of dry clothing. Use layering techniques to prevent moisture while retaining&nbsp;body warmth. Always bring rain gear.</li>
<li>Carry a first aid kit.</li>
<li>Clearly identify your target before shooting. Prevent unfortunate accidents or fatalities.</li>
<li>Put hunting plans in writing (dates, times, location and expected time of return). Putting plans&nbsp;in writing; leaving one at home and one on your vehicle.</li>
<li>Be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails. Other recreationists are in the forest as&nbsp;well.</li>
<li>Avoid wearing white or tan during deer season. Wear hunter orange or another highly visible&nbsp;color.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><strong>Safety Tips for Nonhunters&nbsp;visiting the National Forests</strong></p>
Wear bright clothing. Make yourself more visible. Choose colors that stand out, like red, orange<br style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" />
<p style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">or green, and avoid white, blacks, browns, earth-toned&nbsp;greens and animal-colored&nbsp;clothing.&nbsp;Orange vests and hats are advisable.</p>
<ul style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">
<li>Don&rsquo;t forget to protect your dog. Get an orange vest for your dog if he/she accompanies you.</li>
<li>Make noise. Whistle, sing or carry on a conversation as you walk to alert hunters to your&nbsp;presence. Sound carries well across mountain basins, and hunters should be listening for any&nbsp;sounds of animal movement.</li>
<li>Be courteous. Once a hunter is aware of your presence, don&rsquo;t make unnecessary noise to&nbsp;disturb wildlife. Avoid confrontations.</li>
<li>Make yourself known. If you do hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters know that you&nbsp;are in the vicinity.</li>
<li>Know when hunting seasons are. Continue to hike, but learn about where and when hunting is&nbsp;taking place.</li>
</ul>
<p style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><strong>NRA Gun Safety Rules</strong></p>
<p>Available as a brochure, the fundamental NRA rules for safe gun handling are:</p>
<ol style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">
<li>ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.&nbsp;This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even&nbsp;if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the&nbsp;muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safestdirection, depending on different circumstances.</li>
<li>ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.&nbsp;When holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you&nbsp;are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.</li>
<li>ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.&nbsp;Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun&nbsp;has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which&nbsp;should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the&nbsp;chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.</li>
</ol>
<p style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Know your target and what is beyond.&nbsp;Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally important, be aware&nbsp;of the area beyond your target. This means observing your prospective area of fire before you&nbsp;shoot. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap. Think&nbsp;first. Shoot second.</p>
<div><br />
</div>Mon, 03 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0700{5C879890-1542-4ED1-BCE4-E804CB3ACC7B}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2014/11/beating-the-cold-and-flu-blues/Beating the Cold and Flu Blues: Sick Day Management for People with Diabetes<p>Well, guess what &ndash; your mother was right! Getting a yearly flu shot is one of the best ways to stay well. According to the CDC, <i>vaccinations are the most effective way to avoid getting the flu. </i>With few exceptions, everyone 6 months of age and older can and should get one.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Unfortunately, we can&rsquo;t always avoid getting sick. For people with diabetes, managing blood sugar levels during an illness can be challenging. Why? There are several reasons:</p>
<ul>
<li>When you&rsquo;re sick, your body responds by releasing stress hormones. These hormones cause blood glucose levels to rise.</li>
<li>Loss of appetite makes it difficult to eat regularly, or eat enough food.</li>
<li>Not drinking enough fluids, or losing fluids through vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here are a few helpful suggestions for managing illness at home:</p>
<ul>
<li>If you are not tolerating a regular diet, try some 15 gram carbohydrate sick day snacks. Examples are: &frac12; cup of regular Sprite, &frac12; cup of regular Jello, or &frac12; cup of fruit juice.</li>
<li>Monitor blood sugar levels at least every 3-4 hours. You may have to monitor more often if you take insulin.</li>
<li>Unless you are told otherwise, <i>take your diabetes medication as prescribed.</i> Check with your health care provider for specific instructions if changing medications or dosages.</li>
<li>Non-diabetes medications like cold remedies and antibiotics can affect blood sugar levels. Check with your provider or pharmacist before taking them.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Sometimes illness cannot be managed at home. If you have diabetes, you should call your health care provider or seek assistance at an urgent care or emergency center if:</p>
<ul>
<li>You&rsquo;ve been vomiting or having diarrhea for more than 6 hours.</li>
<li>You&rsquo;ve had a fever higher than 101.5 F or a fasting glucose of 240 or greater for more than 24 hours.</li>
<li>You have moderate to large ketones in your urine, or symptoms of dehydration.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Take good care of yourself, and have an enjoyable winter season!</p>Mon, 03 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0700